2002 Chevrolet Corvette: Road Test
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2002 Chevrolet Corvette ▼
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- MSRP: $41,680 -$50,430
- Invoice: $36,470 -$44,126
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Our road test for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette help you decide if a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 7.8 |
Blistering: Test convertibles and hatchbacks did 0-60 mph in around 5 sec. Haven't yet timed the '02 Z06, but Chevy claims 3.9 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.6 |
In our tests, hatchbacks averaged 20-21 mpg with either transmission and lots of highway miles, but just 12.9 in city driving. Automatic-transmission convertible averaged 16.4 mpg, manual version 18.4. An '01 Z06 averaged 19 mpg; its EPA ratings are unchanged for '02. Both engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Very firm on smooth roads; can be jiggly on rough ones. Base FE1 suspension is relatively absorbent, but allows a trace of float over high-speed moguls. Firmer Z51 setup is more stable and only rarely is uncomfortably harsh. Both ride better than the compromised, ineffective driver-adjustable Selective Real Time Damping option. Ultra-stiff Z06 suspension is painfully hard.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.3 |
Among the world's best. Sharp steering, virtually flat cornering, and ample smooth-surface grip, abetted by standard antiskid/traction system. Brakes are powerful, stops short and stable.
QUIETNESS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3.6 |
Copious road noise and engine roar. Z51 setup seems to generate more tire rumble. Everything's much louder in Z06.
CONTROLS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Clear gauges. Complex but easy-to-master control layout. Some find head-up display useful, others distracting; it can be turned off. Quality of cabin materials and detail finish good, though not on par with like-priced luxury cars.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Adequate head and leg room, plus a wider cockpit than in most sports cars. Low door sills make entry/exit about as easy as in many taller coupes. Thick roof pillars hurt visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .6 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2.1 |
Great for a sports car, meager otherwise. All models have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is achingly high and there's no partition between cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage miniscule.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 4.2 |
Not inexpensive, but if you like your sports cars big, bold, and brawny, there's no better high-performance value. The loud, hard-riding Z06, though, is best left to the racetrack.
Total Score
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Z51, auto. | Base conv, auto. | Z06 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 55 | 52 | 48 | 45.6 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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